Method and apparatus for calibrating magnet/backiron bonding station

Abstract

A method of calibrating a bonding station involves placing a first surface of calibration tool in contact with a fixed surface of a movable assembly. The position of an adjustable surface of the movable assembly is then changed so that the adjustable surface contacts a second surface of the calibration tool. In addition, a calibration tool for calibrating the bonding station is provided.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A calibration tool for calibrating a bonding station configured for bonding a magnet to a backiron, the bonding station having an actuator housing coupled to and capable of moving a movable front assembly, the movable front assembly having a fixed surfacetand an adjustable surface, the position of the adjustable surface adapted to be changed relative to the fixed surface, the calibration tool comprising: a first surface for contacting the fixed surface of the movable front assembly during calibration; and   a calibration surface positioned relative to the first surface such that the movable front assembly is calibrated when the adjustable surface is in contact with the calibration surface while the first surface is in contact with the fixed surface.   
     
     
       2. The calibration tool of claim 1 wherein the movable assembly has a second fixed surface and the calibration tool further comprises a second surface in contact with the second fixed surface during calibration. 
     
     
       3. The calibration tool of claim 1 wherein the bonding station has a nest and the calibration tool is shaped to fit in the nest during calibration. 
     
     
       4. A method for calibrating a bonding station having an actuator housing coupled to a movable assembly that has a fixed surface and an adjustable surface, the method comprising steps of: (a) placing a first surface of a calibration block in contact with the fixed surface of the movable assembly; and   (b) adjusting the position of the adjustable surface so that the adjustable surface contacts a second surface of the calibration block.   
     
     
       5. The method of claim 4 wherein the adjusting step comprises: (b) (i) loosening a locking nut;   (b) (ii) rotating a thread rod connected to the adjustable surface; and   (b) (iii) tightening the locking nut when the adjustable surface is positioned properly.   
     
     
       6. The method of claim 4 wherein the placing step comprises: (a) (i) placing the calibration block in a nest of the bonding station; and   (a) (ii) moving the movable assembly toward the nest until the calibration block is contact with the movable assembly and a back assembly.   
     
     
       7. A calibration tool for calibrating a bonding station having an actuator coupled to a movable assembly that has a fixed surface and an adjustable surface, the calibration tool comprising: a surface for contacting the fixed surface of the movable assembly; and   calibration means for providing a calibration position indicative of a calibrated position for the adjustable surface.